Holiday Recipes

This weekend, in the spirit of the holidays, we wanted to make some eggnog. We’ve made eggnog and "soynog" so many times before that it seemed like time to mix it up a little. If you're a regular reader, you might know how much I love masala chai. I'm a weakling when it comes to caffeine but once in a while, especially when we have large family gatherings, we make loads of the fragrant chai and I just can't resist sipping a few cups. So why not combine the two?

Eggnog already has nutmeg, so adding the spices used in masala chai just enhances the flavor. The cardamom in particular really shines through. If you're adventurous (and not making this for kids), you could also spike it with a little rum or cognac.

Spices such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg and star anise can take even the most pedestrian of treats and give them a holiday flair. If you're wondering what would please your family while waiting for the main dish to be served at your holiday dinner, my friends at California Lavash and I came up with the perfect crowd pleaser. Thinly cut slices of apples kissed with cinnamon-infused butter layered over crispy lavash crackers make for a healthy and addictive snack. That’s important, considering the number of guilt-inducing desserts I’ve gobbled down over the past couple of weeks.

Seriously, you won’t be able to eat just one. The California Lavash gals and I made over a dozen tasty dishes over the course of two days, but this is by far the most memorable. And you don’t have to shelve the recipe once the holidays are over. If you pack lunch for your kids, put a handful of these in their bag instead of cookies. It will help with New Year’s resolutions!

The preparation requires almost no effort! Scalloped-edge rounds of puff pastry are spread with a thin layer of French crème de marrons (chestnuts, sugar and vanilla beans) to mark the holiday season. The finishing touch is arranging sliced persimmons into a pretty flower shape dotted with little mounds of butter and a sprinkle of turbinado sugar and pistachio.

Bouchée à la reine is a classic in French cuisine. You might also have heard the same dish called "vol-au-vent". During the holidays, it's often filled with sweetbreads and morel mushrooms, which is exactly what I did in this recipe.

Sweetbreads, known as "ris de veau" in French, are a delicacy and are almost impossible to ruin or overcook. The outer part is crisp and the inside remains soft, fine and tender. If you're looking for a special meal for the holidays, this might be it!